There are several reasons why people may have appeared to look older in the past. One reason is that in the past, people generally had a harder life and were exposed to more physical labor, which can age the body more quickly. Poor nutrition and lack of access to medical care also likely contributed to people looking older. Additionally, the effects of disease and illness, such as chronic pain or infection, would have aged people's appearance faster.
In the past, people also generally had less access to personal grooming items, cosmetics, and hair styling, which can make people look more presentable and youthful.
Another reason is that photography and art were not as advanced as they are today, so the images of people from the past may not have captured their true appearance as accurately as they do today.
It's worth noting that the concept of aging is relative, and what is perceived as old in the past may not be the same as what is perceived as old today.
